The reason of his sufferings, and the fitness (10–13)
of them.
Christ's taking the nature of man, and not (14–18)
his taking the nature of angels, was necessary
to his priestly office.Verses 1–4
Christ being proved to be superior to the angels, this doctrine is applied. Our minds and memories
are like a leaky vessel, they do not, without much care, retain what is poured into them. This proceeds
from the corruption of our nature, temptations, worldly cares, and pleasures. Sinning against the
gospel is neglect of this great salvation; it is a contempt of the saving grace of God in Christ, making
light of it, not caring for it, not regarding either the worth of gospel grace, or the want of it, and
our undone state without it. The Lord's judgments under the gospel dispensation are chiefly spiritual,
but are on that account the more to be dreaded. Here is an appeal to the consciences of sinners.
Even partial neglects will not escape rebukes; they often bring darkness on the souls they do not
finally ruin. The setting forth the gospel was continued and confirmed by those who heard Christ,
by the evangelists and apostles, who were witnesses of what Jesus Christ began both to do and to
teach; and by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, qualified for the work to which they were called. And
all this according to God's own will. It was the will of God that we should have sure ground for
our faith, and a strong foundation for our hope in receiving the gospel. Let us mind this one thing
needful, and attend to the Holy Scriptures, written by those who heard the words of our gracious
Lord, and were inspired by his Spirit; then we shall be blessed with the good part that cannot be
taken away.
Verses 5–9
Neither the state in which the church is at present, nor its more completely restored state, when
the prince of this world shall be cast out, and the kingdoms of the earth become the kingdom of
Christ, is left to the government of the angels: Christ will take to him his great power, and will
reign. And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to men in giving Christ for
them and to them? it is the grace of God. As a reward of Christ's humiliation in suffering death, he
has unlimited dominion over all things; thus this ancient scripture was fulfilled in him. Thus God
has done wonderful things for us in creation and providence, but for these we have made the basest
returns.
Verses 10–13
Whatever the proud, carnal, and unbelieving may imagine or object, the spiritual mind will see
peculiar glory in the cross of Christ, and be satisfied that it became Him, who in all things displays
his own perfections in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect
through sufferings. His way to the crown was by the cross, and so must that of his people be. Christ
sanctifies; he has purchased and sent the sanctifying Spirit: the Spirit sanctifies as the Spirit of
Christ. True believers are sanctified, endowed with holy principles and powers, set apart to high